The Hawaiian gazette., 1887-09-27

be better annexed to the United
States than made the dependency OF
any other Power. More than thirty
years ago, as may be seen by consult
ing the files of the Friend, one of the
leading London journals, comment
ing on report that the American
flag had been raised over this group.
cordially acknowledged that the
United States had the first claim on
the Sandwich Islands" whenever
the latter ceased to have a govern
ment of their own. Very few people
in this country to-day would attempt
to controvert either of the PROPOSE
tons above mentioned, viz, that Ha-
waits interests and American claims
would neither receive justice in the
event of Hawaii being possessed by
any other nation than the United
States, if ever the time should arrive
when this Kingdom became unable
to maintain independent existence.
Nevertheless, while it is perfectly
proper, and not to be considered in
the light of threatening demeanor,
for the American press, not having
the clearest ideas Of the state of af-
fairs in the Islands, to strongly
maintain the supremacy of American
over all other foreign claims here, it
is not so clear that the local press at
this juncture would be acting wisely
in discussing the eventuality of an
nexation, and particularly so doing
in tone that might be construed to
imply that the necessity of Hawaii
surrendering her Independence was
within measurable distance. ANY
thing uttered at present which might
be interpreted as an expression of
want of confidence in our ability to
stand alone, as an Independent ma
ton, would be calculated to do an
indefinite amount of damage to the
Kingdom both at home and abroad.
The propagation of an idea chat the
people regarded the lately recon
structed system of government as
only temporary would be very iniu-
rious at this moment to very weigHty
interests of the country now pending.
1t would give rise to the utmost
uncertainty respecting the future
of the Islands, among half a
dozen possible eventualities, thus
prolonging the delay of several
large projects now awaiting the
tender of confidence from foreign
capitalists. Such an idea as that the
new order of things here is only a
temporary makeshift is intrinsically
vicious from its utter falsity. On
the contrary, the reform movement
would never have been attempted on
any other understanding than that of
preserving national autonomy, other
wise all that would have been neces-
sary to secure foreign intervention
was to allow affairs, as conducted
under the late administration, to take
their course for but few months
longer at the most. There was never
brighter prospect, so far as human
provision can go, for the perpetu-
alton of Hawaiian Independence than
at the present time. The independ-
ence of the Kingdom was the climax
of the declaration of principles upon
which the Reform party went to the
polls in the late elections, and under
that banner every constituency was
carried. The significance of this fact |
is in nowise weakened from the refec-
ton that the opponents of that party
also inscribed independence on their |
escutcheon, for the Importance of the
matter lies in the consideration that
the whole Legislative Assembly and
the Ministry it is elected to support
are solemnly committed to maintain
national independence to the last
ditch. Not merely that, but every
particular of the policy committed to
the execution of these men by the
whole country is designed to
establish state of affairs
eminently calculated to preserve
rational independence. There re-
mains another observation to be made
n this connection. Annexation is
as an alternative of Hawaii
being unable to keep up independent
existence. Should this presumed
disability arise from the aggressive
Interference of any European Power
II Powers, there is probably not a
yord to be said but to welcome
Americas application of the Monroe
doctrine in whatever way she deems
oest. But, on the other hand. if the
assumption is that Hawaii is gravit-
ting to condition of incapacity for ]
some rather knotty
uestions naturally rise to the
nrface. How, for instance. is
laval to gain full statehood
4 the American Union if her i
eople shall have proved themselves {
lcapable of self governmen5 as an {
nation? Capacity for {
is an indispensable \
for admission to mem
ership in the great, free American
liberation. And if not admitted to
le Union as State, consider the {
lany objections that must be enter c
lined against being joined to that
ountry as a Territory. How would =
lie residents of this groun ralisb Il Q